King Charles has invited Donald Trump for a second Trump state visit. It is scheduled for 17-19 September when Parliament is in recess. This avoids the controversial possibility of the US president addressing MPs.
Buckingham Palace confirmed the Trump state visit, with the president and First Lady Melania Trump staying at Windsor Castle. The timing ensures Trump won’t follow predecessors like Barack Obama or Emmanuel Macron in speaking to both Houses of Parliament.
Fifteen Labour MPs, including Diane Abbott and Nadia Whittome, had urged Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle to block any Trump address. They cited his record on “misogyny, racism, and xenophobia.” The recess eliminates that clash. However, protests are still expected.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has built a working relationship with Trump. He has secured reduced US tariffs on British cars and aerospace goods. However, steel exports remain a sticking point. Indeed, US officials demand more supply chain details before lifting restrictions.
US Ambassador Peter Mandelson said Trump “loves Britain” and trusts Starmer but warned a full tariff rollback is unlikely. “There’s scope for sector-by-sector deals,” he noted, pointing to tech as a potential area for agreement.
Trump’s 2019 Trump state visit drew massive protests and a feud with then-London Mayor Sadiq Khan. Trump branded Khan a “stone cold loser.” Royal protocol also became an issue when Trump appeared to step ahead of Queen Elizabeth II.
Despite past tensions, Trump has publicly praised King Charles, posting, “I Love King Charles” on Truth Social. The palace likely hopes a carefully managed itinerary will minimize backlash this time.
By scheduling the Trump state visit during conference season, the government avoids forcing MPs to choose between snubbing a US leader or endorsing his divisive politics. Yet, critics argue the recess timing sidesteps democratic accountability.
With Trump’s return guaranteed to stir protests and headlines, all sides are bracing for a high-stakes diplomatic and public relations challenge.
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